Orthopaedics Center - A-Z Index

Neurosarcoidosis

Neurosarcoidosis is a complication of sarcoidosis
in which inflammation occurs in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the nervous system.

Alternative Names

Sarcoidosis - nervous system

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Sarcoidosis is a long-term disorder that affects many parts of the body, mostly the lungs. In a small number of patients, the disease involves some part of the nervous system. This is called neurosarcoidosis.

Neurosarcoidosis may affect any part of the nervous system. Sudden, facial weakness (facial palsy
) is the most common neurological symptom and involves the nerves to the muscles of the face. Any nerve in the skull can be affected, including those in the eye and those that control taste, smell, or hearing.

The condition can also affect the parts of the brain involved in regulating many body functions such as temperature, sleep, and stress responses.

Muscle weakness
or sensory losses can occur with peripheral
nerve involvement. Other areas of the brain, including the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, or the spinal cord may also be involved.

Blood tests are not very helpful in diagnosing the condition. A lumbar puncture
may show signs of inflammation. Increased levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme may be found in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, this is not a reliable diagnostic test.

MRI of the brain may be helpful. A chest x-ray
often reveals signs of the sarcoidosis of the lungs. Nerve biopsy
of affected nerve tissue confirms the disorder.

Treatment

There is no known cure for the sarcoidosis. Treatment is indicated if symptoms are severe or progressive. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone are prescribed to reduce inflammation. They are often prescribed until symptom get better or go away. You may need to take the medicines for months, even years.

Other medications may include hormone replacement and medicines that suppress the immune system.

If you have numbness, weakness, vision or hearing problems, or other problems due to damage of the nerves in the head, you may need physical therapy, braces, a cane, or walker.

Psychiatric disorders or dementia may require medication for depression, safety interventions, and assistance with care.

Expectations (prognosis)

Some cases go away on their own in 4-6 months. Other cases continue off and on for the rest of the person's life. Neurosarcoidosis can cause permanent disability and, in some cases, death.

Complications

Complications vary depending on which part of the nervous system is involved and how you respond to treatment. Slowly worsening or permanent loss of neurological function is possible. In rare cases, the brainstem may be involved. This is life threatening.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have sarcoidosis and any neurological symptoms occur.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a sudden loss of sensation, movement, or body function.

Prevention

Aggressive treatment of sarcoidosis turns off the body's faulty immune response before your nerves become damaged. This may reduce the chance that neurological symptoms will occur.

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